I'm moving into a new apartment, but I'm unsure of the insurance
requirements for security (specifically door/lock specifications) and
how they might apply.

As I understand it, the applicable standard for mortice locks is BS
3621:1998, however, this only applies for lever locks. Insurance
companies usually require that such locks be combined with a latching
rimlock (which I do not have).

The incumbent front door lock, which I want to avoid changing so as not
to alter the external appearance of the door, is a euro profile cylinder
sash lock, marked 'cylinder security'. It isn't kite-marked itself. The
present cylinder is a single 5 pin with thumb knob.

My interpretation of the insurance standards is that a cylinder lock
would be acceptable only if it is 6 pin, drill resistant and double
ended. Changing the cylinder is a trivial job, but I would quite like to
keep the thumb knob, and indeed I think that it may be a requirement
under fire regulations (though don't know exactly which regulations).

I had a brief discussion with the insurance company but didn't really
get a satisfactory answer.

I've read the guidelines from the assoc. of master locksmiths - and
they're helpful, but they really appear to be minimum standards (i.e. 5
pin cylinders, etc.) rather than recommendations.

What standards do apply for the front door of individual apartments, and
how should they be interpreted wrt to insurance approval?

Regardless of insurance status, I'd be keen to get a good quality
security cylinder - restricted keys would certainly be an option as I
may let the property in the future. Any recommendations? - I was
thinking of mul-t-lock as they've a good reputation and we have them at
work, or Evva 3KS because the keys look like some ritual torture
implement. One concern that I have though, is that these locks are for
the international market, and as such do not explicitly state BS EN 1303
approval, even though they meet all relevant criteria. Is this an issue?

The rest of the door is very satisfactory - and the only other
improvement I plan is to install a couple of Birmingham bars.

Advice and suggestions will be much appreciated.

Mark

In article ,
Mark writes:
I'm moving into a new apartment, but I'm unsure of the insurance
requirements for security (specifically door/lock specifications) and
how they might apply.

Check how much difference it makes to the premium.
In my case it was less than £10, so I just said the
locks didn't conform without even bothering to check
(actually I hadn't moved in, so I couldn't check).
Then you don't need to get hung up on the precise
insurance requirements, and you can go for what you
really want.

--
Andrew Gabriel

In message , Andrew Gabriel
writes
In article ,
Mark writes:
I'm moving into a new apartment, but I'm unsure of the insurance
requirements for security (specifically door/lock specifications) and
how they might apply.

Check how much difference it makes to the premium.
In my case it was less than £10, so I just said the
locks didn't conform without even bothering to check
(actually I hadn't moved in, so I couldn't check).
Then you don't need to get hung up on the precise
insurance requirements, and you can go for what you
really want.

Personally, I'd ask the police to come along and suggest what to do.
It's a free service, and should satisfy any insurance Co for a normal
house

--
geoff